Free Things to do in North Wales

Free Things to do in North Wales

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Discover the Best Free Things to do in North Wales

The best things in life are free, right? With our guide, you can discover the many free things to do in North Wales, featuring something for everyone. From historic castles and fascinating museums to golden beaches and easy hikes, there are so many superb free places to go in North Wales.

Hiking up the jewel in North Wales’ crown should be at the top of your free things-to-do list! Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales and at an elevation of 1,085, it promises stunning views all year around. While the climb to the peak is completely free, you will need to pack a picnic and drinks, as well as organising travel and parking. Parking at the foot of the mountain can be expensive, however, park-and-ride options make the activity more affordable.

More free places to visit in North Wales include leisurely walks in country parks. Some of the best parks in North Wales include Alyn Water Country Park, Loggerheads Country Park and Maes y Pant.

If you are visiting the city of Wrexham, walking along the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a superb free thing to do. The Overton Yew Trees is also a superb free attraction and is famed for being one of the Seven Wonders of Wales.

Free days out in North Wales can be spent exploring the ruins of Castell Dinas Brân, which towers above the town of Llangollen. Alternatively, you could head to Llanberis to explore Dolbardarn Castle.

You could choose to spend your days visiting the array of waterfalls in North Wales or dipping your toes into the many lakes to try wild swimming. Other free things to do in North Wales include beach days and strolling along the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, which is the highest canal aqueduct in the world.

Continue reading to find the best free things to do in North Wales…

  • Conwy Valley Railway Museum

    Conwy Valley Railway Museum

    The Old Goods Yard
    Betws-y-Coed
    LL24 0AL

    01690 710568

    Visit the Conwy Valley Railway Museum in Bewts y Coed and learn all about the history of the railway. Watch five model railways and ride the miniature train before exploring the railway model shop.

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  • Criccieth castle

    Criccieth Castle

    Castle Street
    Criccieth
    LL52 0DP

    03000 252239

    Allow Criccieth Castle to capture your imagination. This stunning castle ruin sits atop the rocky headland between two beaches and boasts magnificent views across Cardigan Bay. Built by two illustrious Welsh kings, Llywelyn the Great and Lylwelyn the Last, Criccieth is a must-see for those interested in Welsh history.  

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  • Deganwy Beach, Conwy

    Deganwy Beach

    Deganwy Beach
    Deganwy
    Conwy
    Wales
    LL31 9YR

    Nestled between Llandudno and Conwy is the village of Deganwy and its idyllic sand and shingle beach. One of few beaches in North Wales that faces south west, Deganwy is the perfect place to catch some rays.

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  • Dolbadarn Castle, Llanberis

    Dolbadarn Castle

    A4086
    Caernarfon
    North Wales
    United Kingdom
    LL55 4UB

    01443336000

    Standing in an elevated position, overlooking the waters of Llyn Padarn, Dolbadarn was once a vital part of the defence of the ancient kingdom of Gwynedd. Built in the late 12th or early 13th century, the tower stood watch over the route inland from Caernarfon to the upper Conwy Valley. This castle is a truly fascinating slice of Welsh history.

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  • Dolwyddelan in Snowdonia National Park

    Dolwyddelan Castle

    Dolwyddelan Castle
    Dolwyddelan
    A470
    LL25 0JD

    01690 750366

    Dolwyddelan Castle is a commanding Welsh stronghold amidst the Snowdonia National Park scenery. It is a great spot for you and your family to explore and uncover the history of Prince Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, or Llywelyn the Great.

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  • Dyserth Waterfall

    Dyserth Waterfall

    Waterfall Rd
    Dyserth
    Rhyl
    LL18 6ET

    Discover the place where the River Fyddion falls to meet the River Clwyd and the remnants of a suspected medieval water wheel can be found.

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  • Fairy Glen, Betws y Coed

    Fairy Glen – Wales

    Fairy Glen car park
    A5
    Conwy River
    Betws-y-Coed
    Snowdonia National Park
    LL24 0HF

    Discover one of the most enchanting places in the Gwydir Forest, a spot tucked away in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park. Fairy Glen is a secluded gorge and beauty spot resting on the Conwy River.

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  • Gwydyr Forest

    Holyhead Road
    Betws-y-Coed
    LL24 0AA

    03000 653000

    Blow off the cobwebs with a walking trail through Gwydir Forest Park. This stunning forest surrounds Betws-y-coed, one of the prettiest villages in Snowdonia.

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  • Happy Valley Botanical Gardens, Llanduno
    Image Credits: NoelWalley - CC BY-SA 3.0

    Happy Valley Botanical Gardens

    Happy Valley Rd
    Llandudno
    North Wales
    United Kingdom
    LL30 2QL

    Walk through these 19th century public gardens on the east side of the rocky headland at Great Orme. With spectacular views over Llandudno Bay, it’s a beautiful space to while away an afternoon.

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  • harlech beach

    Harlech Beach

    Harlech Beach
    Harlech
    Gwynedd
    LL46 2UG

    Head to this four-mile stretch of golden sand for stunning Snowdonia Mountain views and a glimpse of a 13th-century castle. From wildlife spotting to swimming, there’s plenty to do here once you’ve taken in the views.

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